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inside
contents 7.2018
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The King of Kush
Famous rapper Wiz Khalifa talks about his evolution as an artist through his upcoming tour and album dropping this month, as well as his unwavering affinity for cannabis. O n t he C O V E R :
P h o t o b y P a me l a H a n s o n
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50 CULTURE ’s 710 Guide
Learn about the art of concentrates, get tips on the hottest trends and understand all the lingo you need to know in anticipation of the upcoming oil holiday on July 10.
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departments
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Great Responsibility Take advantage of these safety tips as you begin your celebratory 710 sesh.
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Get a Whiff The relaxing scent of lavender, the bright citrus aroma of lemon and the soothing smell of pine have one thing in common—terpenes.
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Death Metal Domination The Black Dahlia Murder’s vocalist, Trevor Strnad, opens up about the role of cannabis in the band’s two-decade reign.
12 Letter from the Editor news 16 News Nuggets 20 By the Numbers 24 Local News reviews 26 Dispensary Highlight 28 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 36 Cool Stuff 38 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 70 À La Carte 72 Growing Culture 74 Colorado Now! 76 News of the Weird
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Online Exclusive! d Demand for Cannabis in Italy Rises d Arkansas Medical Cannabis Program Moves Forward
Vol 10 IssUE 1
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams managing editor Addison Herron-Wheeler Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Hilary Bricken, Devon Alexander Brown, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, Caroline Hayes, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Carl Kozlowski, Emily Manke, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Kimberly R. Simms, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Mike Rosati, Eric Stoner, Bruce Wolf Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Michelle Aguirre Graphic Designer John Venegas Associate Publisher & Bob Waters Advertising Director REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Kim Cook Account Executives Rebecca Bermudez, Alex Brizicky, Angie Callahan, Eric Bulls, Rocki Davidson, Matt Knuth, Casey Roel, Rick Schwartz, Annie Weber, Vic Zaragoza office manager Mikayla Aguilar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla INTERN Cole Graves Publisher David Comden Culture® Magazine is published every month and distributes magazines at over 1,400 locations throughout Colorado. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture® Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
10940 S. Parker Road, #237 | Parker | CO | 80134-7440 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.CultureMagazine.com
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L E TT E R
FROM
THE
EDITOR
S tay i n g C o o l a n d C o n c e n t r at e d
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here are plenty of reasons to love the month of July. First of all, it’s our nation’s birthday month (242 years and counting). Second, relaxing summer vacations to tropical destinations are in full swing. And finally, we’re keeping cool poolside with blended drinks and vape pens in hand. But of course, it’s also the cannabis community’s time to celebrate the ever-evolving world of concentrates. Cannabis concentrates, from the original choice of hash to more modern developments like distillates, are important staples in the cannabis community. Serving as some of the strongest forms of medication for the sick, as well as the most potent or discreet recreational tools for everyday consumers, we have so much to celebrate on July 10, also known as 710, the famous oil-based holiday. At CULTURE, we’ve had the pleasure of dedicating our annual July issue to the art of concentrates, year after year. From educating beginners to keeping you up-to-date with the hottest trends in dabbing, vaping, tools of the trade and everything in between, there’s no end to the way concentrates are progressing. As one of the most epic issues of the year, we present an
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exclusive interview with one of the most iconic hip-hop artists whose name is synonymous with cannabis culture—the one and only Wiz Khalifa. As Khalifa gets ready to drop his album this month, Rolling Papers 2, as well as kick off his summertime “Dazed & Blazed” tour, July couldn’t be a more perfect time to celebrate one of the biggest names in rap music. As always, our Oil Issue will entertain and educate you about all things concentrates. Discover the hottest new tools that serve to elevate your 710 celebrations. Further your understanding of how and why terpenes are the biggest trend in consuming oils and sauce. Appreciate the beauty of concentrates courtesy the artists and professionals who take the craft to a whole new level of artisanship. Let our beginner’s guide ensure you’re in-the-know about the latest developments in concentrate trends and technology. Most importantly, it will help you focus on safety and responsibility during this special holiday. c
Happy dabbing, friends!
Jamie Solis Editor-in-Chief
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NEWS
nuggetS
Denver and Thornton Mayors Stand Up for Federally Legal Cannabis Colorado has been notorious for its support of legal cannabis, and recently the mayors from Denver and Thornton have joined The Government for Responsible U.S. Cannabis Policy Coalition, which is made up of numerous city leaders from across the nation. The group is lobbying Congress and the Trump administration for a sensible cannabis policy in regards to cannabis banking and federal regulations. “We must have
common sense federal legislation to successfully regulate and tax marijuana,” Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams told CULTURE. “The first thing they should do is pass legislation that will allow marijuana businesses to use our banking system. This will take the marijuana money out of the shadows. Currently, the cash-operated businesses have a safety risk, and the revenues are not as easily tracked and audited. Congress must take action on this, because marijuana will be coming to most cities around the U.S. very soon.” As legalization continues to spread, actions like this from public leaders will help further solidify the legitimacy of the industry.
Five Danish Political Parties Call for Cannabis Legalization Five political parties in Denmark have called for the legalization of cannabis. The parties explained that banning cannabis forces the plant into the hands of criminal groups, since illegal cannabis activity hasn’t fallen due to Denmark’s laws. Several political groups drafted a public letter, which was translated from Danish. The letter stated that banning cannabis wastes the resources of the Danish police and
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School Nurses Can Now Dispense Medical Cannabis in Colorado Cannabis advocates and concerned parents are rejoicing now that Colorado officials passed House Bill 1286, which allows school nurses or other approved personnel who work at public schools to administer medical cannabis to children who need the medicine. “This is a good example of government support,” Rep. Dylan Roberts explained to CULTURE. “A constituent had an idea; the governor
that the black market thrives. “It’s an unfair fight,” the parties stated. “Therefore, the Alternative, Red Green Alliance, Socialist People’s Party, Social Liberal Party and Liberal Alliance now take the lead in developing a Danish model for the legalization of cannabis that takes the drug and the profits out of the hands of criminals and gangs, introduces age limits and discusses funds for prevention.” The political party members plan on discussing the issue further in the Danish Parliament.
signed it, and now it’s law, so that has been exciting and encouraging.” The idea was first introduced to Roberts by a family of constituents with a son who had epilepsy and needed cannabis at school in the middle of the day. While both parents tried to make it to the school every day at lunch time, they also both worked full time jobs and had four other children. All they wanted was a way to get the medicine to their son, and now, thanks to the bill, they no longer have to be present when their son receives his medicine at school. HB-1286 will also benefit many other families and children in the state.
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The percentage of Colorado high school students who stated that they consumed cannabis within the past 30 days: (Source: Colorado Springs Gazette)
19.6
The percentage of people in Colorado who said they consumed cannabis in various forms during the first quarter of 2018: (Source: Green Market Report)
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The percentage of Colorado dispensaries that stopped undercover minors from purchasing cannabis: (Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was collected in medical and recreational cannabis sales during the month of April in Colorado: (Source: Vail Daily)
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The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that was approved to fund a national database of hemp genetics: (Source: Forbes)
500
The number of medical cannabis patients who will be added to a national patient registry and whose results will be studied at the Pennsylvania-based Thomas Jefferson University’s Lambert Center: (Source: The Lambert Center)
100,000
The maximum projected amount of cannabis, in metric tons, that is consumed annually in Uruguay: (Source: The Washington Post)
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The amount of money, in millions of Canadian dollars, that Canopy Growth donated toward opioid addiction research: (Source: Canopy Growth Corporation)
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7/10™ Festival WHEN: Tues, July 10-Fri, Jul 13 WHERE: Denver’s Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver WEBSITE: 710concert.com Founders of the 7/10™ Festival created this event specifically to honor those who have dedicated their lives to create cannabis awareness and legalization in Denver, as well as throughout the state. As with any festival, this one will be jam-packed with things to see and new experiences. Most days of the festival will feature engaging speeches, a variety of educational seminars, contests to participate in and much more. Members of organizations representing 20
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cannabis businesses, healthcare companies and military veterans groups will be in attendance, all of whom aim to educate attendees about cannabis’ medical benefits. The last full day of the event will be dedicated to live music featuring a number of local bands. Ultimately, the 7/10™ Festival stands as the perfect gathering place where diverse members of the local cannabis community can network and celebrate the present and look to the future. (Cole Graves)
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NEWS
LOCAL
Disappointing Decision
C o l o r a d o G o v. J o h n H i c k e n l o o p e r v e t o e s m u lt i p l e c a n n a b i s b i l l s By Addison Herron-Wheeler
D
espite Colorado’s progressive cannabis policy, Gov. John Hickenlooper recently made headlines when he vetoed three cannabis-related bills in just two days in early June. Of the three bills Hickenlooper vetoed, House Bill 1011 would have allowed more flexibility for cannabis investing. House Bill 1258 would have allowed cannabis sampling in dispensaries, and House Bill 1263 would add autism as one of the qualifying medical conditions for cannabis. Proponents behind the bills were sorely disappointed, including Rep. Jonathan Singer, one of the sponsors of HB-1258, the tasting room bill, who chatted with CULTURE. “After working on this bill for about three years, we were just trying to give average folks an option, not even something that is ideal, but at least an option to be able to use cannabis in a public setting where they have someone who is a trained budtender, just like a trained bartender,” Singer said. “That way you have someone who is there to stop a novice who overconsumes or someone who is trying for the first time. You’ve got someone there to kind of walk them through what that situation might be like and they don’t get themselves in trouble and have a bad time or put themselves in danger.” Singer continued to explain that this bill would have not only benefited consumers, but it would have also benefited public safety overall. It would give consumers a legal option for trying cannabis safely, rather than forcing them to act out of compliance with the law. HB-1011 was also vetoed, which would have opened cannabis investing up to publicly24
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traded cannabis “When it came to businesses. Gov. the autism bill, Hickenlooper’s to hear from the decision to veto parents who are HB-1263 created struggling to find shock and t r e at m e n t s f o r disappointment t h e i r c h i l d r e n t h at for medical w o r k to me was a cannabis patients, no-brainer, and families and to see how much caregivers across support it got the state. Many parents gave r e a l ly d i d s o l i d i f y testimony that m y b e l i e f t h at t h i s the bill would i s s o m e t h i n g t h at allow their r e a l ly d o e s b e n e f i t children suffering the public.” from autism to access medicine when nothing else helped. “When it came to the autism bill, to hear from the parents who are struggling to find treatments for their children that work to me was a no-brainer, and to see how much support it got really did solidify my belief that this is something that really does benefit the public,” Rep. Jovan Melton, who backed both the tasting room bill and the autism bill, told CULTURE. “So it was very disappointing to see the governor’s office kind of shy away from those bills, but that is their prerogative, and we will work on them and bring them back next year.” Overall, while the bills had a lot of support leading up to their final resting place on the governor’s desk, that wasn’t enough to get them to pass. Many Colorado residents are disappointed. “We knew going in that both bills were both going to be heavy lifts, but we had bipartisan support from both chambers, so it is very disappointing that we didn’t see more come from the governor’s office on this,” Melton added. “It definitely does help to move the conversation forward and we will bring the bills back next year, but vetoing what to me were really sensible bills really kind of stalls the process unnecessarily.” While none of these bills were enacted this year, the bills will have an opportunity to be reintroduced in the legislature next year, possibly with better results. c
Cannabis Career Fair The United States has been out of the 2007 recession for some time now, but jobs are still hard to come by. While many jobs still remain competitive, the cannabis industry is rapidly growing, as is the need for reliable employees of all kinds to help push the industry into a new era of acceptance and success. For those looking to get their cannabis career started, as well as those who are looking to upgrade to the next rung of the professional ladder, the Cannabis Career Fair in Denver is the place to be. It will feature over 50 cannabis-related companies, all of which are opening up applications of all levels, from entry level to executive. Choose from jobs relating to cultivation, extraction, management, marketing and so much more. Employers representing all areas of Colorado’s cannabis industry will be looking for that diamond-inthe-rough employee who is seeking new opportunities. (Cole Graves) WHEN: Wed, July 18 WHERE: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver WEBSITE: vangsttalent.com
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REVIEWs
dispensary highlight What are the biggest challenges you face in this industry as a dispensary? . . . Biggest joys? Access to traditional financing to grow our business is one of the biggest challenges we face. In addition, state regulations are always changing and becoming more stringent, To p-Sellin g Str ain making it difficult Green Crack to navigate without an experienced To p-Sellin g Co ncentr ate compliance and Craft Sesh Wax operations team. As for biggest joy—it’s the To p-Sellin g Edible satisfaction knowing Wana Assorted Flavor Gummies that we are part of a by Wana Brands new, exciting, dynamic industry. This is one of the most significant changes taking Our unique shopping experience place in our lifetime. is unlike any other dispensary. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the difference—no high-pressure sales, What is the one thing you want just experienced and friendly sales customers to know about your staff; customers can wander around dispensary? the store at their own pace with Green Dragon offers the largest no lines to wait in (there’s a virtual selection of cannabis products in the queue). All Green Dragon stores are state at the most contentious pricing. designed with customer convenience With a vast selection of apparel, glass, in mind—brightly lit, clean and and other accessories as well as an welcoming. There are easy-to-read excellent loyalty program and online menu boards, easy-to-understand ordering—it’s difficult to find another displays. dispensary to match our standards. Not to mention that we are launching our brand new line of edibles and How has the cannabis industry concentrates, too. changed since you have been in the business? Where would you like to see it go? If someone wanted to open a The cannabis industry has come a dispensary and get their feet wet in long way since we started in 2009 the industry, what advice or counsel when the average store looked would you give them? like your stereotypical “hippie pot It’s harder than you think, and it’s shop.” Dispensaries have greatly not a golden ticket to mint money. improved the retail experience for It’s a very competitive and a highly the consumer by offering loyalty regulated business. programs, online ordering, and superior customer service much like What do you hope to accomplish in a typical retail store in any other the cannabis industry? industry. Eventually, we would like to We hope to contribute to the eventual see the stigma surrounding cannabis end of prohibition of marijuana in the to disappear, allowing consumers United States. By normalizing the around the country to have access acceptance of cannabis, we would end to this product without negative one of the largest social injustices of consequences. our time. c
Green Dragon 930 W Byers Pl., Denver (970) 480-0660 www.greendragoncolorado.com How and when did your dispensary start up? Green Dragon began with a fiery passion to offer the highest quality cannabis to the first medical market in the world. It all started in 2009 with one single location on legendary Colfax Avenue in between the Fillmore and the Ogden Theater, and has now grown to 12 locations (and growing) across Colorado. What’s the story behind the name of your dispensary? Dragons are powerful, awe-inspiring, mythical creatures that have captivated the imagination of human cultures for millennia. Cannabis has played a similar role throughout human history, sparking wonder and creativity throughout the world. Green Dragon is passionate about cannabis and medicated products and is committed to preserving a sense of magical fascination with this amazing plant. What does your dispensary offer customers that they can’t find anywhere else? 26
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strain, edible & concentrate
Slazerbeam by Colorado Seed Inc. Slazerbeam is one strain that is sure to light up a room. Bred by Colorado Seed Inc., these buds were extremely dense, plentiful with orange hairs and had visible trichomes. CULTURE’s reviewer tested the waters and took the sativa-dominant Slazerbeam for a spin. Each hit tasted of sweet citrus with a touch of earth. The strain brought on a newfound motivation during a 60-minute yoga class, but didn’t bring on any bodily heaviness. It did, however, bring on a wave of sleepiness toward the end. The Kush aspects came through physically by providing full body heaviness, but the Haze in the lineage was uplifting and strengthened mental resolve. This would be a perfect mid-day pick-me-up, rather than a wake-and-bake strain, but either way, the effects were enjoyable. The parent strains of Super Lemon Haze and Gupta Kush collided for an amazing effect—Slazerbeam is one item to add to your shopping list.
Available at: Colorado Harvest Company in Denver.
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Cannatela Pre-Roll Available at: The Green Solution in Denver.
This is one of the most unique pre-rolls our reveiwers have had the pleasure of smoking. Packaged in a sleek black box and nestled in a cardboard tray, comes a plump pre-rolled joint hot off the shelves of The Green Solution. Cannatela is made up of carefully selected top-shelf buds, which are then wrapped in cannabis fan leaves using CO2 extracted oil. Attached was a wooden mouthpiece for smoking enjoyment and ease. The joint itself was sturdy, with lovely golden oil spilling out of the end. We couldn’t wait to fire it up, and we are so glad that we had some time to smoke it, because this baby burned for almost an hour. The flavor of the Cannatela joint was fresh, earthy and smoked smoothly, which can be attributed to the careful curing process of the flower. The Cannatella Pre-Roll brought on strong feelings of couch-lock, making it the perfect nightcap to a stressful day.
Lemon Skunk Live Resin processed by Top Hat Processed by Top Hat Concentrates, Karmaceuticals Lemon Skunk Live Resin smelled amazing and not at all like solvent. Untwisting the glass jar revealed gold diamonds in a sticky terpene sauce. The citrusy scent immediately hit the senses, revealing that this was overall an abundantly flavorful terp sauce would fill both mouths and noses with joy. As a notoriously strong strain, this specific batch of Lemon Skunk Live Resin tested out at 95.4 percent THCA. Using a skillet tool, we rolled one of the diamonds around in the sauce to fully coat it, gently placed it on our dab rig and fired it up. The hit was smooth and delicious, with effects that were sedative but also provided feelings of happiness and contentment. Reviewers melted into the couch for a bit but also found that periodic bursts of energy came around, which added ease to chores like cleaning or whipping up something delicious to eat. The energetic buzz from this live resin may be effective in getting consumers out of a funk, so stop by Karmaceuticals in Denver to snag some of this mood boosting product. 28
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Available at: Karmaceuticals in Denver.
REVIEWs Available at: The Farmers Market in Denver.
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Grape Afghani Oil Full Plant Extraction by West Edison Concentrates Full plant extraction is a trend that we have been following for a while now, so reviewers were thrilled about West Edison Concentrates’ Grape Afghani Full Plant Extraction Oil from The Farmers Market in Denver. The oil came in a thin plastic syringe and was dark and sticky. The recommended dosage is about the size of a grain of rice, and the syringe was effective for accurate dosing. The parent strains, Grape Afghani x Afghan Kush, are heavy indicas, so it might be wise to clear out your schedule before consuming the recommended dosage and settling in for the ride. Reviewers experienced a heavy body effect that lasted for a good three to four hours. There was a lot of laughter, which was followed by an amazing night’s sleep. A product like this one may benefit anyone suffering from conditions like chronic pain, insomnia or the effects of chemotherapy, as it really stimulated appetites.
Lemon Skunk CAViAR Top shelf buds, distillate and bubble hash are a few of our favorite things, so you can imagine how stoked we were to discover all three of these categories snug-as-a-bug in a preroll joint. We chose the Lemon Skunk CAViAR from Dadirri, which came stuffed in a cone. The joint itself emitted a sweet smell upon pulling it out of the tube. Upon lighting, the hash danced around the inside the joint, giving the smoke a sweet taste. The effects rushed over reviewers, starting in the head and settling in the toes. The joint tasted citrusy from the lemon and earthy from the hash. The pre-roll brought a decent amount of energy with it, which complimented an afternoon hike. There’s something about cannabis and hiking that allows you to really get in the groove and connect with nature. Lemon strains can be a bit a racy, so reviewers were thankful that the bubble hash was grounding.
Available wherever: Dadirri products are carried.
Mandarin Cookies Bonsai Blunt Available wherever: Bonsai Cultivation products are carried.
The world of pre-rolls has come a long way. Everyone has a new twist, and the Bonsai Blunt from Bonsai Cultivation is a welcomed addition to the trend. Reviewers received two personal-sized joints tucked safely inside a tube. Inside the hemp paper was Mandarin Cookies, a cross of Forum Cut Cookies x Mandarin Sunset. It’s unclear if it was the sweetness of the paper or what was inside, but the smell of the joint was very pleasant. Firing up one joint that burned at a steady pace, reviewers watched the room fill with smoke with scents of creamy orange and coconut. The experience was ultra-smooth, as the papers did not produce harshness. The heavy and happy effects kicked in after a few hits. For those who don’t want the tobacco from a regular blunt paper, the hemp wraps are revolutionary. Bonsai Cultivation is a Denver-based recreational company, which is great for those who want to sample these goods. CultureMagazine.com
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REVIEWs
King Louis XIII OG Live Resin We wonder how the real King Louis XIII would feel about a cannabis strain named after him. Was he down for the cause? We hope so, because smoking this King Louis XIII OG Live Resin from Quality Choice Dispensaries in Colorado Springs made reviewers feel like royalty. The diamonds sat in a bit of terpene sauce and glistened from inside the jar. The smell of diesel floated up as soon as the packaging was opened. The first hit rushed through our bodies like hot lava then zoomed up to our heads. It tasted like gassy flowers, so proceed lightly at first with the hits. The effects evened out and soon brought on feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. There was absolutely no motivation with this strain, which could be effective in assisting with conditions such as insomnia or body aches. Testing out at 82 percent means that most consumers won’t need more than one or two hits. King Louis XIII OG Live Resin is a great way to end a long day, so sit back, kick up your feet and pretend you are king or queen for a day.
Available at: Quality Choice Dispensaries in Colorado Springs.
The Pat Pen Adjustable Airflow Cartridge
Available wherever: The Pat Pen products are carried.
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Not all cartridges are created equally, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to the Fruit Stripe Gum cart from The Pat Pen. Experienced consumers already know that the sleek black and gold packaging with The Pat Pen’s distinct logo are evidence that they’re in for a real treat. Fruit Stripe Gum is a perfectly balanced hybrid of 100 percent CO2 extracted cannabis oil distillate, expertly packed into this 500mg cartridge. Ultimately, this is a vape experience fit for a superhero. Reviewers started off slowly, taking just two buttery smooth draws of the tasty cartridge to enjoy uplifting cerebral effects, slowly followed by manageable body effects. The Fruit Stripe Gum experience proved to be a discreet and productive way to enlighten daytime activities, from otherwise boring chores to lounging poolside.
Grape Stomper The name of this concentrate couldn’t be more appropriate, as the Grape Stomper by Igadi was artisan quality, like that of a fine wine grown from grapes in Napa Valley. Coined as the “ultimate vaporizable form of concentrate,” expect nothing but fire from this 0.5g of distilled THC, or distillate, combined with 0.5g of IgadI’s premium live resin. In short, if you’re ready for a tasty dab with a heavy potency, look no further than Grape Stomper. The clear amber concentrate had a floral yet earthy taste and aroma. Reviewers took the opportunity to cook up some dinner after just one dab, and the smells were enhanced like you wouldn’t believe. With a pleasant feeling overcoming us after the first draw from head to toe, the total relaxation arrived as dessert. Grape Stomper leaves all your senses feeling satisfied, as the smooth potency of the distillate paired nicely with the natural qualities still present from the cannabis plant.
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Available wherever: Fusion by IgadI products are carried.
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Ambrosia by Spectrum Concentrates™
REVIEWs
Available wherever: Spectrum Concentrates™ products are carried.
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“Ambrosia” is the Greek mythological word for the food of the gods. It’s a truly fitting name for a product that delivers one of the purest effects around. Ambrosia is a highly potent crystalline concentrate offering, testing at over 95 percent THCA by weight, plus terpenes for a richer and more unique flavor. Upon sampling Ambrosia, it slowly melted like yellow ice on our nail, sending powerful fumes that immediately cleared our airways and sent us floating into the heavens with Zeus and we quickly were overcome with amnesia. With its heavenly herbal flavor, zesty aroma and instantaneous powerful effects, Ambrosia is clearly a gift from the gods. Secure your otherworldly and potent offering of Ambrosia at various retailers throughout Colorado.
CBx Meditate Vape, Infused by Evolab Cannabis has been known to take consumers to another level of enlightenment, and CBx Sciences wants to help bring out the inner shaman in all of us. It’s time to squeegee your third eye, and get ready to meditate while you medicate. CBx Sciences’ disposable vapes are available as Amplify for energizing and uplifting effects or Meditate for deeply relaxing effects, which are infused with sage, thyme and passion flower. Testing at 16 percent CBN, 15 percent CBD and 10 percent THC, the Meditate Vape is packed with active ingredients. Its psychoactive effects are fairly mild, but it is highly relaxing. It hit well, and its earthy, wood-like flavor was an added bonus. Don’t worry about nosey neighbors—this particular pen is discreet and portable, and the scent of the vape doesn’t give off an overwhelming cannabis scent. Available wherever: CBx Sciences products are carried.
Available wherever: Coda Signature products are carried.
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White 99 Cartridge All cannabis companies strive to produce the highest quality products, but it is companies like Coda Signature that successfully make every batch topnotch. Coda Signature’s White 99 Cartridge is one of many concentrates that are made in small batches, all of which are strain-specific. Each batch becomes a limited edition creation, full of many sensory-awakening terpenes that delight the senses. This particular strain often brings forth feelings of relaxation, which is perfect for a leisurely summer day. Each cartridge comes loaded with 500mg of a beautiful, amber-colored oil with 81 percent THC is bound to turn this July into a month to remember. Coda Signature has plenty more where this came from, so feel free to visit www. codasignature.com for more details.
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REVIEWs
1:1 CBD/THC Cartridge Willie’s Reserve is not a company to be trifled with—when it comes down to cannabis, there are few who rise up to the challenge. This particular 1:1 CBD/THC cartridge is packed with hemp derived CBD, as well a cannabis derived THC distillate. As a result, this product contains and estimated 44.24 percent THC and 42.35 percent CBD. A product like this might work well for conditions like severe migraines, PMS and anxiety. These relaxing properties are perfect for those who want to treat certain medical conditions, as well as those who need an extra confidence booster when socializing with friends or family. CULTURE reviewers reported that this product produced well-balanced body and head effects that were both gentle and not overwhelming.
Available wherever: Dixie Elixirs products are carried.
Tropic Twist Gummies
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If summer was a flavor, it would undoubtedly be sweet and fruity. It’s the best time of year to enjoy a sugar-laden lemonade or eat a fruit platter of watermelon and strawberries. If you’ve got a craving for that summertime essence, then you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Dixie’s Tropic Twist Gummies. Infused with the sweet flavors of the tropics, these wild little indica morsels are the perfect snack. These gummies come packaged with 10mg active THC per gummy, and a total of 100mg per package (plus, they’re free of nuts, gluten and lactose, for those who have dietary restrictions). Ideal for conditions like insomnia and migraines, these discreet treats are useful when consumers are on-the-go. Plus if you ever want to embrace some other flavors, Dixie Elixirs also makes these gummies in Citrus Blast (an award-winning sativa product), SYNERGY Watermelon (1:1 CBD:THC ratio), and new to the party, Sour Smash assorted-flavor pack feature super-sour coatings on a medley of three flavors: Sour Apple, Sour Cherry and Raspberry Lemonade. Pucker up! For more information, visit dixiebrands.com.
Citral Skunk Clear out your airways for a refreshingly fruity and potent dab session that’s guaranteed to leave you in a foggy haze. Can’t decide between an indica or a sativa? This saucy selection offers the best of both worlds, being 50 percent indica and 50 percent sativa, and it is tested at 86 percent THC, perfect for heavyweights with a high tolerance. The golden yellow sauce dabbed well, first sizzling on the nail and then evaporating into a vapor that was easy on the lungs. With an exhale that tasted reminiscent of a fresh sweet and sour lemonade with an herbal, earthy aftertaste, we instantaneously felt both uplifting and euphoric effects. You can bet it has a high terpene content, as most quality sauces do. Reviewers reported that it works well for insomnia, nausea and chronic pain, yet it is highly recommended for recreational dabbers, too. 34
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Available in: Select locations where Willie’s Reserve products are carried
Available wherever: Nomad Extracts products are carried.
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REVIEWs
For More Products Go To CultureMagazine.com
1. Empire Glassworks Genie Lamp Dabber Ever wonder what it’s like to have magic at your fingertips? Or to have a spellbinding smoking experience? If you came across a genie lamp, what would you wish for? Possibly an endless supply of cannabis concentrates? This enchanting dabber tool is designed with Gold Dichroic Infused Glass, which gives a captivating and sparkling look and is only five inches long. Although it won’t give you three wishes, this Genie Lamp Dabber tool will get some people excited about dabbing with its magical theme. This dabber tool is designed by Empire Glassworks to bring delight and a little magic to your dabbing sessions. Price: $49.99 More Information: empireglassworks.com 2. VECTOR Torpedo Quadruple Flame Torch Lighter Who says good things don’t come in small packages? Standing at just about three inches tall, this little torch is ideal for taking on-the-go to your upcoming 710 kickback. Perfect for use with smaller 10mm nails, this quadrupleflame torch does not waste any time in getting your tools to the perfect dab-ready temperatures. Available in Gunmetal Satin and various other sleek colors like Rose Gold, you’ll be sure to bring the class while bringing the heat as well. As an added bonus, this underestimated torch features a foldout cigar punch. Price: $30 More Information: www.thedablab.com 36
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3. Dr. Dabber Diamond Rig Smoke in style with the largest rig in the Dr. Dabber Diamond Glass series. Featuring top-of-the-line, hand-blown borosilicate glass and a unique “flowerbud” percolator, the Dr. Dabber Diamond Rig is an excellent choice when looking to upgrade your smokeability. Made entirely in the United States, this piece of art provides a premium smoking experience that anyone would enjoy. With an innovative design and oneof-a-kind percolation system, this all-American rig will complement any smoker’s arsenal, and it even comes with a dome-less 14mm male quartz nail to help you get started. Price: $199.95 More Information: drdabber.com
4. Linx Ares You don’t need to be a bear or even a honey badger to slurp up some honey. With the Linx Ares vapor straw, all you have to do is simply insert the vapor straw into your concentrate and hold the button. No more having to use a blowtorch to heat up your nail or being confined to a desk to rest your rig on. The Linx Ares vapor straw is designed to be taken along with you by being the same size as a pen and even discreetly camouflaged as one with a mouthpiece and atomizer covers. Even better, there’s no more waiting for your nail to heat up; with the coil-less ceramic rod atomizer, the Linx Ares will be ready to rip when you are. Price: $109.95 More Information: linxvapor.com
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REVIEWs
entertainment Release Date: JULY 13 Available on: PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
BOOK
Cannabis in Spiritual Practice: The Ecstasy of Shiva, the Calm of Buddha Will Johnson Pub. Simon & Schuster Hitting the shelves this month are pages binding the possibility of a spiritual awakening. Cannabis has been a sacrament across countless religions and cultures throughout history. With the end of cannabis prohibition slowly becoming a future reality, author and teacher Will Johnson dives into the ways cannabis can be embraced as part of modern Buddhist practices. Discover how you can integrate cannabis into your own spiritual practices and journey with this enlightening guidance. (Jacob Cannon) 38
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MUSIC GAME
MOVIE
Bay Dream
Earthfall
Love, Simon
Dev. and Pub. Holospark
Dir. Greg Berlanti 20th Century Fox
Culture Abuse Epitaph Records
Those who have spent hours fighting alongside three other players in survival games like Left 4 Dead will find kindred spirits in the developers at Holospark. Their newest game, Earthfall, pits four players against endless hordes of aliens who have come to take over the world, and you only have guns and basic defenses to make it out alive. Players use in-game 3D printers to make their weapons, as well as a variety of defense tactics (from chain link fences to turrets) to keep aliens at bay. You may not survive the endless waves of aliens, but you’ll have a ton of fun trying. (Nicole Potter)
Whether you’re coming of age soon or did so many years ago, stories about growing up, discovering one’s identity and coming to grips with the good and bad of a more grown-up world are always interesting for cinematic storytelling. Dealing with the trials and tribulations of high school life and coming out of the closet, Love, Simon tells one such tale brilliantly and beautifully. Loaded up with a cast of burgeoning stars and a handful of veterans and helmed by director Greg Berlanti, Love, Simon will draw out both laughter and tears in any audience. (Simon Weedn)
Two years after the grungy, white knuckle ride that was Peach, Culture Abuse delivers its most accessible, but no less heavy, album yet, with Bay Dream. Though the record comes across as less raw, chaotic and abrasive than any of its previous catalog, Bay Dream still shows hints of the dark, back alley brutality of the band’s previous work even as it comes through a more sunny, smoky filter. More than anything the new record shows Culture Abuse more than willing to push itself and its sound in new directions while never losing sight of itself and the band’s origins. (Simon Weedn)
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Rap Royalty Wiz Khalifa is sparking up this summer with a hot new album and blazin’ tour
By Addison Herron-Wheeler annabis and hip-hop are a perfect pairing, but never has the deal been sweeter than it is with Wiz Khalifa. Although there have been countless rappers before him professing the benefits of cannabis or decrying the illegality of the plant, and there will be many after him—Khalifa landed in the oh-so sweet spot. First gaining popularity in 2006 as an up-and-coming rapper trying to make a name for himself in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Khalifa coincidentally rose to fame just as the mainstream popularity of cannabis legalization has grown. His lyrics are the perfect blend of hardened fervor and reverent control—he wasn’t going to shy away from even the illegal or demonized side of cannabis. This wasn’t rap about cannabis for the sake of being cool and mentioning taboo topics; it was because Khalifa genuinely loves the plant. While he was by no means the first rapper to take such an approach, he did so in a unique way that captured the attention of consumers and rap enthusiasts everywhere. Recording rap since the age of 14, Khalifa has always been known as an
C
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herb enthusiast who had an affinity for writing lyrics, songs, mixtapes and albums—many of which are named after cannabis. In 2010, Khalifa dropped the mixtape Kush & Orange Juice, followed by Rolling Papers on Atlantic Records the following year. After two more wildly successful studio albums, Khalifa takes it back to the roots in which he towers over the rest. With the latest release of his next album, Rolling Papers 2, scheduled for release on July 13, Khalifa continues to reign on top of the worlds of rap and cannabis. And music is just one avenue in which his life interacts with the herb. Khalifa also helped design and innovate an interactive game available at iTunes App Store or Google Play called Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm, and he has partnered with several companies on cannabis deals. Reef Dispensaries in Nevada and Arizona joined forces with the rap star to pioneer Khalifa Kush, a special strain perfect for those seeking a heady buzz. He has also worked with RiverRock Cannabis, a Colorado-based company, to come out with cannabis products under his name, and has famously partnered with his favorite rolling paper brand, RAW. While all of this is impressive, it’s not exactly a surprise. Khalifa is bold and brazen about his love for the green plant, and shares this whenever
Photos by Sebastian-Maldonado
possible, be it through music, spoken word, video games or partnerships. What is more surprising is the wide variety of partnerships and musical pairings he takes on. His collaborative The Boys of Zummer Tour with Fall Out Boy put emphasis on both of their musical stylings and the wide range of talent that Khalifa truly possesses. He has also co-headlined tours with more obvious companions, like Snoop, another rapper who gives plenty of love to cannabis and is no stranger in its industry. Fans across the nation will get a chance to fall in love with new tracks in person throughout this summer, as Khalifa is kicking off the Dazed & Blazed Summer 2018 Amphitheater Tour alongside Rae Sremmurd. The tour starts in Detroit, Michigan on July 21 and is set to visit countless venues across the nation through the end of August and continue through September. Khalifa is not slowing down any time soon, and he’s ready to continue reaping the rewards of major success. CULTURE spoke with Wiz Khalifa before he hits the road and drops his record to talk cannabis, fatherhood and making music for the future.
“ [ Legalization is ] going in the right direction; they are starting to let people out of jail on weed charges. There is weed everywhere; you can walk up and down the street and smoke pot. I’m digging it.”
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You’re kicking off the Dazed & Blazed 2018 Amphitheater Tour this month. What can fans expect if they catch you on tour? Where are you most excited to perform? It’s gonna be crazy! I haven’t been on my own solo tour; I co-headlined with Snoop in the past, and opened for Fall Out Boy, so it’s been awhile since I had my own experience. I’m just excited to get back out there, tear it up. I have my new album coming up, so I’m going to be performing a lot of the new music, getting it in everybody’s heads.
“The album is coming out July 13, and I’m gearing up to drop more music off of the album before the album comes out, so fans can look forward to that.”
Fans are looking forward to hearing the tracks on your upcoming
1987 – September
1990 – Khalifa’s parents divorced, and as a
2004 – Rostrum
8, Khalifa was born Cameron Jibril Thomaz in Minot, North Dakota to military parents.
self-proclaimed “military brat,” he traveled the U.S. and the world with his family. He earned his nickname, “Wiz” for wisdom and “Khalifa” from the Arabic word for “successor,” because of his above-average intellect.
Records learned about Khalifa from a mixtape of various artists from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and signed him shortly afterward.
2006 – September 6, Khalifa released Show and Prove, his first fulllength studio album. He was declared an “artist to watch” by Rolling Stone.
2007 – He signed to Warner Bros. Records and released mixtapes entitled Grow Season and Prince of the City 2 on Rostrum Records. His single, “Say Yeah,” made it onto the Billboard charts, further solidifying his fame. 44
album, Rolling Papers 2. What can we expect from the album, and what are some of the lyrical concepts? You can expect the album to be really my most current, best work. Of course, the production is crazy. I really just wanted to make an experience for people to know what my music sounds like, but I also want to know what it would sound like five or 10 years down the road. A lot of the music on here is definitely going to set things up for later, for what my sound is going to be down the road. [It’s] something that everyone is going to enjoy, so that everyone can see how much work I put in.
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2005 – Khalifa released his first mixtape, Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania.
2008 – September 17, Khalifa released the mixtape Star Power.
“It definitely helps me deal with people for real for real; a lot of creative people don’t want to give out too much of their secrets or really socialize too much. But being that pot is so social, I feel like everybody’s got to spread the love with the weed.” CultureMagazine.com
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2013 – Khalifa announced plans for a new album, Blacc Hollywood. He married Rose, who gave birth to their son, Sebastian Taylor.
2009 – Khalifa left Warner Bros. Records due to album release delays. He dropped Deal or No Deal and more mixtapes.
You’re also known for being a loving father. How do you balance a life with your son and your busy music career? I just make a conscious effort; my son is the most important thing to me. So while I always have to stay on top of my business, my son’s activities and what’s important to him are very important to me. How did you first start smoking cannabis? How did it become such a big part of your life? I really just started smoking by hanging out with the homies, being in the studio. [There was] pot getting passed around and eventually you are going to end up hitting it, but for me I always felt like it was
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a safe thing. It was never bad to me. I never saw the downsides of it. I never wanted to go past smoking weed, never thought of it as a gateway drug or anything like that. It brought people together, made people happy. The best things that I do are on pot. Obviously cannabis has impacted your creative life. How would you say it has impacted your private life behind the scenes? It definitely helps me deal with people for real for real; a lot of creative people don’t want to give out too much of their secrets or really socialize too much. But being that pot is so social, I feel like everybody’s got to spread the love with the weed.
2012 – The hip-hop artist becomes engaged to Amber Rose. 2012 – December 4, Khalifa came out with another record, O.N.I.F.C.
2010 – April 14, Khalifa released Kush & Orange Juice mixtape, which becomes one of the top trending topics on Twitter. He also played South by Southwest®, toured with Yelawolf and was named “Rookie of the Year” by The Source.
2011 –Wiz also began dating Amber Rose, a well-known model.
2011 – March 29, Khalifa released Rolling Papers, which hit number one on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Rap Albums charts, plus it hit the top 10 on additional charts.
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How do you feel about legalization so far, and what could be done better or differently? It’s going in the right direction; they are starting to let people out of jail on weed charges. There is weed everywhere; you can walk up and down the street and smoke pot. I’m digging it. I just think that while it’s taking time to cross over and become more mainstream, they should loosen up on motherfuckers, which they have been, but it’s not gonna happen overnight. Still, it’s moving in the right direction. Your music may be fun and tongue-in-cheek, but you are still sending a message about cannabis. What do you most want to tell the
2014 – August 19, Khalifa released Blacc Hollywood.
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world about the plant? Mainly that it’s not as scary as it was made out to be in the past, and just show people the up sides of it, the benefits, how it helps people more than it hurts and how even if you don’t smoke pot, you can grow it, or you can be in some kind of field where it’s not “us versus them.”
writing, recording, releases or tours go? The album is coming out July 13, and I’m gearing up to drop more music off of the album before the album comes out, so fans can look forward to that. Mostly, I’m just focused on the tour and the new album. c
Is there anything else you want to announce as far as upcoming
www.wizkhalifa.com
2014 – Khalifa was arrested for cannabis possession, posted a jail selfie and started a trending #FreeTrapWiz hashtag. Khalifa announced that he no longer pays for cannabis, as he is sponsored by a dispensary called “The Cookie Company.”
2018 – Khalifa kicks
2017 – Khalifa
off a tour, releases Rolling Papers 2 and prepares for the next chapter of his career.
started training for UFC fighting and began learning Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu.
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2016 – He sued former label Rostrum Records for $1 million over unpaid royalties that he claimed were owed.
2016 – February 5, Khalifa came out with another fulllength, Khalifa.
2015 – Khalifa was featured on a Fall Out Boy song “Uma Thurman” and toured with the band. Rose filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. Both parties gained joint custody of their son, Sebastian.
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CULTURE’s annual Oil Issue is finally here! From skimming over the basics to diving into the hottest trends of 2018, novices and experienced consumers alike will benefit from this helpful guide. 50
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Understanding Concentrates
A Beginner’s Guide By Benjamin M. Adams
Concentrates are the cannabis of tomorrow. As flower sales begin to top out or even dwindle in some states, concentrate consumption is on the rise. Understanding the intricacies of concentrates is critical, as they contain
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Photos courtesy of Oleum Extracts
much more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) than flower. Concentrates are typically geared more for the experienced cannabis consumer who has graduated from basic flower.
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Types of Concentrates
Budder Budder is known for its thick, peanut butter-like consistency and incredible taste. It’s halfway between wax and crumble. Budder is made by whipping sap or shatter until it is broken down into budder.
C r um b l e Crumble is a dry form of concentrate that is the preferred concentrate for some cannasseurs. It is made by purging cannabis for a longer amount of time, but at a lower heat, which preserves terpenes.
F u l l Me lt Full melt is made by refining or melting trichomes after using the dry sift or ice water method. Full melts melt completely because there is no plant matter left in the concentrate.
Many concentrates begin as butane hash oil (BHO) or a raw concentrate and are further refined using various methods. Most concentrate types are defined simply based off of the consistency of the sample. Others begin as propane hash oil or CO2-extracted concentrate and are refined using the supercritical fluid extraction method.
K ie f/Dry Si ft Kief is known in The United States as dry sift and the root of the word means “pleasure” in Arabic. Kief, as many of you already know, is what accumulates at the bottom of your grinder. It’s made by letting the resinous trichomes fall through a sieve or mesh screen.
Ti ncture Oil/Errl/Sap Oil is the smoothest and thinnest form of concentrate. Nowadays, the inevitable messiness of oils can be abated with the use of plastic syringes. Thick oil is called sap.
Sh at t e r Shatter is a stable concentrate that is identifiable by its clear and hard glass-like or pull-andsnap properties. Unlike wax or budder, shatter is not malleable, and it is considered one of the purest (and most expensive) forms of concentrate available.
Unlike cannabis-based oils, tinctures are alcohol-based. The often dark-green liquid is stored in droppers. Tinctures are typically consumed medicinally and are administered sublingually.
Tri m Run Since only the trimmings are used, trim run extracts are cheaper and less potent than more expensive offerings. Trim run usually looks like a slightly browner slab of shatter or wax.
Wax/Dab H a s h/ H a s h i s h Hash usually has a more peppery, spicy flavor. It is made by applying varying amounts of pressure or heat to kief or dry sifted trichomes.
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Most dabbers begin with wax and work their way up to shatter and more expensive forms of concentrate. It feels like earwax to the touch and will stick to almost any surface.
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Tools of the Trade Use the right tool for the right job. Also, don’t use tools without research or training first.
Da b R i g A dab rig or an oil rig is a bubbler designed specifically for concentrates instead of flower. You’ll also need a torch, nail and other accessories.
B ange r The removable cup that holds the concentrate in a rig, like a bowl, but designed for runny concentrates.
N ai l s
2018 Concentrate Trends Dab Straw
Rosi n
Dab straws, honey straws or dab pens are designed to enable you to dab while you’re on-the-go.
Rosin is a solventless concentrate that can easily be made at home using a hair straightener or a rosin press. There are no harmful chemicals used in the process.
Vape Pens There are countless varieties of vape pens on the market, and for good reason. Vape pens can be used with a variety of concentrates, and they are one of the most discreet and mess-free ways to consume concentrates.
I solate An isolate is a stabilized pure crystalline that looks like a clear rock or an off-white powder. Other cannabinoids can be isolated using a complex process. Isolates are becoming more popular for cannabis purists as a preferred method of consumption.
Nails are nail-like tools used to apply sticky concentrates to dab rigs.
CBD Wax T or ch e s Torches heat glass or metal nails for dabs. Concentrates vaporize at very high temps— 315°F-440°F to be exact, and glass or metal heated at these temps will melt your skin right off, so use with care.
One of the more recent trending topics is dabbing with CBD. Like THC, CBD can also be concentrated as tincture, crumble or shatter.
Terpene Addi t i v es Da b Mat Usually made out of silicone, these mats really come in hand given the ultra-sticky nature of almost every kind of concentrate.
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Companies such as Drizzledab, FreshTerps and True Terpenes sell terpenes, which are organic compounds that add flavor and aroma, that can be added to concentrates. c
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Safety First
Tips to ensure your 710 c e l e b r at i o n g o e s o f f without a hitch
By Jacob Cannon Longtime members of the cannabis community are not known to shy away from celebrations. After all, having an excuse to celebrate is one of the reasons why we’ve embraced our own cannabis-loving holidays. So when it comes to getting down this July 10 for the annual oil holiday of “710”, it’s important to proceed with caution before you, or your friends and family, get too carried away. Although it was Marvel’s OG Spider-Man comics that made the quote “With great power there must also come—great responsibility” famous, it can wholeheartedly be attributed to many facets of life—but none more so than playing it safe when consuming concentrates. Make sure you celebrate 710 with a little caution and safety in mind. From securing safe concentrates, to consuming safely, CULTURE hopes you have a safe and lively July 10 with these tips.
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Photos courtesy of Mammoth Labs
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Tips to Overcome OverConsumption Saf e Co n c e n tr ate s Step one to having a successful 710 is getting your hands on some topquality concentrates. When CULTURE looks for quality, we’re examining not only a product’s potency, but we’re also ensuring that our concentrates are free from unwanted contaminants and solvents. Securing lab-tested concentrates that are free from harmful impurities from a licensed collective or dispensary is the only way to be sure the products you’re dabbing and vaping are safe for the celebration.
Co n s u m i ng S a f e ly Don’t Be a Too l Consuming concentrates requires a more intricate process depending on the tools that you use—and your experience is only satisfying when you have the best tools at your disposal. But 710 isn’t the best time to try out concentrates for the first time unless you familiarize yourself with them ahead of time. When it comes to doing dabs in particular, tools like blow torches and e-nails can give you a pretty serious burn if you’re not careful. That being said, handle your tools with precision and care. It will both guarantee a longer lasting product, and keep you safe from harm.
Avoid DRIVING by Planning Ahead This tip is obvious, but necessary to repeat—don’t consume and drive. Instead, a little planning ahead will go a
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Eliminate and avoid any situations that may trigger stress or paranoia.
“When it comes to getting down t h i s J u ly 1 0 , i t ’ s i m p o r ta n t t o p r o c e e d with caution before getting carried a w ay. ” long way. Find someone who is willing to be your group’s designated driver. If all your friends want to partake in the festivities, and staying in isn’t an option, then plan to use a ride share app or old school taxi service to get where you need to go. If it’s the munchies that are driving you out the door, try opting in for food delivery through a local restaurant or one of the many handy delivery apps that are on the market.
Drink some water, reduce the effect with peppercorns or eat a sugary snack.
Consume CBD.
Distract yourself with a game or movie.
S ay “No” to Ov e r co ns u m pti o n Like with all holidays, sometimes the trend many fall into is to over-consume. Avoid this altogether by taking things slow and steady on this concentrate holiday. In the case that you do overconsume, here are some tips that may help you overcome. This does not in any way constitute medical advice, and as always, seek proper professional help if needed. c
Exercise.
Take a nap.
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An Emerging Essential Consumer demand for c a n n a b i s c o n c e n t r at e s drives industry market for terpenes
By Caroline Hayes
H
ave you ever wondered what gives OG Kush its distinct taste and smell? What about sap from a pine tree or the scent of lavender flowers? Why do our fingers smell like an orange after peeling one? The answer is terpenes. Terpenes are the characteristic compounds of plants, flowers, trees and fruits that give each their distinct scent and flavor profiles. They exist in the leaves, stems, flowers, buds and skins of a variety of trees and plants. In the cannabis industry, manufacturers are increasingly isolating and extracting specific terpenes for use in concentrates and even edibles. CULTURE chatted with David McLean, marketing director of True Terpenes and Oren Cohen, founder of Terpene Experts to better understand the reasons for this growing trend. “We like to say [it’s] the oldest new technology. Whether it’s a strain of Pineapple Express or a red rose, each plant has its own unique blend of terpenes and essential oils,” McLean said. “These
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compounds can be extracted from plant material using methods, such as CO2 or steam distillation, to create full plant essential oils.” True Terpenes in Portland, Oregon is a prominent
“Flavor and aroma c r e at e t i m e a n d p l a c e i n s ta n t ly. T h e y b y p a s s t h e e g o a n d t u g r e l e n t l e s s ly at y o u r e m o t i o n s without a chance for the conscious mind to intervene. Terpenes are the key to this deeper interaction and c o n n e c t i o n t o a p r o d u c t. ”
provider of botanical terpenes for the cannabis industry. Terpenes exist within cannabis naturally. “One can think of terpenes as being an essential part of the unique aromatic mix that make a given strain special. Terpenes are what make cannabinoids special and unique. They’re the aromatic drivers behind the sativa and indica subspecies, and the more you learn about each isolated compound, the more you can funnel your cannabis experience,” said McLean. With certain types of cannabis concentrates growing in popularity, the demand for terpenes is on the rise as well.
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The G r o wi n g T r e n d We are seeing terpenes added to concentrates more and more, increasingly to distillates, according to Cohen of Terpene Experts, a company that supplies terpenes for various cannabis companies. THC or CBD distillate is an odorless, flavorless concentrate that has been refined and stripped of all its impurities to create a clean, residual-free product. Many consumers appreciate the taste and smell of cannabis and don’t want a flavorless product, yet want the pureness of the distillate. Manufacturers are reintroducing specific terpenes to achieve desired taste and smell. By stripping a concentrate of its flavor and smell, one might argue that part of the ritual is missing. Would you want an orange that is flavorless and odorless just because it was free of toxins and pesticides? Maybe not. “Flavor and aroma create time and place instantly. They bypass the ego and tug relentlessly at your emotions without a chance for the conscious mind to intervene. Terpenes are the key to this deeper interaction and connection to a product,” said Cohen.
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As the market becomes more competitive for concentrate manufacturers, the role of terpenes has also become more prominent. “Terpenes have become one of the few qualitative components left for manufacturers of distillate cartridges to separate themselves from the pack. Five years ago you were a rock star if you could get crappy oil and put it into a cartridge for people to vape. Now the space is crowded,” Cohen said. “Everyone makes good oil now, hardware is better, packaging is top-notch. Your flavor profile is your brand identity.” Most connoisseurs want tasty products and often; it’s what keeps people coming back and your brand memorable.
F u tu re o f T e r pe ne s While the trend is on the rise, professionals in the industry are certain that the demand for terpenes will only continue to grow. “The evolution is still in its infancy. People will seek greater exclusivity and creativity in their terpene profiles,” said Cohen. “While we still consider basic terpene knowledge to be at a nascent stage, awareness of their
impact is gaining momentum as cannabis becomes more readily available and budtender knowledge continues to rise. As consumers continue to learn how to guide or enhance their cannabis experiences, the subject of terpenes and aromatics can only continue to flourish,” said McLean. While terpenes aren’t psychoactive like THC, we are finding out that they may still produce physical or psychological effects. “I think our understanding and practical application of terpenes will mature as our industry does,” said Cohen. Energizing and uplifting terpenes include alpha pinene, limonene and terpinolene, where the relaxing properties come from isolates such as beta caryophyllene, myrcene and linalool.
A Pr o f e s s io na l Pr actice Terpene extracts are available for purchase online from companies like Terpene Experts and True Terpenes, among others. However, it’s wise to leave the addition of terpenes to the manufacturers. “Never consume them undiluted or in their pure form,” Cohen advises. “Dipping your buds or dabs in pure terpenes is probably not wise. They’re hydrocarbons, most are highly flammable.” If you’re feeling unsure about what to do with a bottle of them, leave it up to the professionals and buy products that are already infused. McLean said to keep the heat below 600°F as to not damage their delicate profiles. The industry is constantly evolving and new technologies are emerging. Because of this, practices like terpene extraction are coming to light. The use of terpenes in cannabis is meant to enhance the consumer’s experience. Begin your flavor fueled terpene journey and see what kind of benefits you can unlock. c
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Heavy Hitters
The Black Dahlia Murder continues t o d o m i n at e t h e d e at h m e ta l s c e n e w i t h i t s l at e s t a l b u m By Alex Distefano
bassist Max Lavelle and vocalist
F
Trevor Strnad. Over the years, The or over 16 years, Michigan-
Black Dahlia Murder has toured with
based death metal band The
everyone from Cattle Decapitation
Black Dahlia Murder has been
and King Diamond, to Napalm Death
on a relentless mission of
and Slipknot. The band’s fan base has
bringing its macabre, epic and
grown steadily over the years, and last
technical brand of melodic-yet-evil
year, it released its most accomplished
sounding death metal to the masses—
studio album, the eighth full-length,
one show at a time. The band has
entitled Nightbringers. Aside from
undergone numerous lineup changes
death metal, one of the band’s
but has always prevailed. Touring is a
hobbies and interests has always been
lifestyle to The Black Dahlia Murder,
cannabis. Strnad took time to speak
which plays hundreds of shows a
with CULTURE about the band’s
year. The band currently features
current tour, the difficulties of living
guitarists Brandon Ellis and Brian
on the road, his passion for extreme
Eschbach, drummer Alan Cassidy,
metal and cannabis.
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What are the differences between performing at bigger outdoor festivals versus smaller, more intimate club shows? I actually like both, but I think it’s cool at the smaller shows we play to be able to touch the crowd and stick the microphone in people’s faces and let them scream, as well as the crowd surfers. We like to break down the fourth wall at those types of shows. The bigger festivals are pretty cool too. It’s awesome to play in front of a huge crowd with lots of people who don’t know who you are. We love seeing tons and tons of metal horns up in the crowd. Both big shows and small shows are awesome in their own way. Are there any difficult parts of life on the road? It’s really boring a lot of the times, honestly. The shows are amazing, but the rest of the tour is boring. It’s just a long wait doing nothing, a lot of time in the van or bus literally on the road. In some ways, it’s like camping for a long time. That’s why we’ve had a lot of members in our band honestly; it can get rough out there. But lately, we are doing well. We are fortunate enough to have had a bus for the past couple of years; that’s a luxury for us [because] we are used to driving in a van. Either way, we love what we do. It is fun to travel and play music.
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It feels a lot less dangerous—we can tell you that. Have you ever had any legal troubles because of cannabis? Yeah actually. Well almost, not quite. Years ago we got close, this one time. We were meeting up with Hatebreed for the first day of a tour, and the cops pulled our van over and one of our band members had a giant jar of weed. The cops searched the car and made us smash our pipes in the road, and took all of our weed. Then, they took the guy who had it, and put him in a cop car; and we all thought we were fucked. But in the end, [the cop] was just trying to scare him, and they let us all go with no charges. It sucked, but we were lucky.
Tell us about the current tour and how the band is playing the new album, Nightbringers live in its entirety. Yeah, we felt confident with that choice, this has been a huge album for us in so many ways, one of the biggest we’ve ever made. We wanted everyone to hear their favorite songs from this one live. But it has been challenging. The music is more difficult compared to our prior albums, but we are used to stepping it up each time around and always changing things up technically. It’s fun to challenge yourself. It’s been fun so far. We love the sound and tempo these songs bring live. We hope the fans enjoy the experience as well, and so far they have. Does cannabis help with the creative process of writing music? Oh for sure, it definitely helps you look at what you are creating with different eyes. To me it’s necessary. To me it’s simultaneous with music; it makes things sound so great. It’s super-tied into our band for this reason. Also, it helps when you have a lot of downtime on tour, as I was saying. It helps achieve laughs, we eat good food, listen to music and there are good vibes for everyone. 68
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“To me [cannabis i s ] s i m u lta n e o u s with music; it makes things s o u n d s o g r e at. It’s super tied into our band for this reason. Also, it helps when you have a lot of downtime on tour, a s I w a s s ay i n g . ”
As a traveling band, are there places in the U.S. that are still uptight about weed in 2018? I think the “Bible Belt” and places in the South yeah, and maybe they will be that way for a while. But overall, in most parts of the country we travel, it’s not a big deal anymore, which is great! So in that regards, we have seen lots of positive changes.
What is the cannabis scene like in your home state of Michigan? Oh, it’s great. There are a bunch of stores and delivery services with good quality buds all over Michigan and the Detroit area. Lots of people are growing their own crops too. We love it—it’s everything we ever wanted here, after all these years. When we are not on tour, we enjoy it. What area of the U.S. has the best cannabis scene? California, of course, has always had some of the best quality, both in northern and southern California. But this is now true in the northwest in general; Seattle, Portland and all those areas along the Pacific. There is a lot of progress, and they all know what they are doing in that part of the country. Those parts of the U.S. are where we have all tried some of the dankest weed for sure. Tell us about the future plans after this tour. Well, we’re definitely going to be milking this new record for a bit longer. There is still one more U.S. tour in the works we are making happen. We go to Europe after this tour for some killer music festivals, then we will have some other tours up our sleeves in the near future, that we will announce when we can. There is no sign of slowing down for us at all. c
+ www.tbdmofficial.com
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Brooklyn’s Charm C h e f B u d s bri g h te n s t h e kitc h e n wit h N Y C r o o t s a n d cu l i n ary acume n By Devon Alexander Brown
D
ave Wais, aka Chef Buds, is as unpretentious as they come. He frequents Trader Joe’s. He has a soft spot for pizza. And, like most Americans, he starts his mornings with a cup of hot coffee, only he drinks instant, and with little more than a microwave prepares it like a latte you’d find at your favorite coffee shop—a technique he picked up in Israel that seemed to stick. His penchant for cooking with cannabis concentrates came, largely, the same way. 70
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Wais was inspired to cook by the flavors of his childhood and the influence of his Eastern European mother and late aunt, but he never intended to make it more than a hobby. He didn’t attend culinary school or work his way up the ranks of New York City kitchens. Rather, Wais envisioned practicing dentistry and briefly enrolled in a pre-dental program before dropping out and forming an in-house entertainment company with three friends. It was here that he developed the networking skills that would open the doors to his 420 future.
When he started cooking with cannabis seven years ago, Wais says it was like the Wild West. The process was secretive. New York cannabis laws were antiquated. And sharing a bowl with friends was the extent of its social reach. Yet he wanted more like elaborate dinner parties, centered around cannabis. So, he began experimenting. He found success preparing extracts with trim and soon after modified the Eastern European comfort foods he grew up with. Once its popularity among friends and family was cemented, he decided to legitimize his craft and made the move to the Bay Area of California. After canvassing a few cannabis events, he made friends that turned him on to food grade THC and CBD oils and hit the ground running. Soon he was making his own concentrates with fat-soluble coconut and avocado oils. And that cup of joe he likes to start his day with? He began infusing that with his newfound taste for concentrates. He’s partial to Gorilla Glue, an indica-dominant strain. After teaming up with Aaron Lynton, a photographer and filmmaker from Hawaii, Wais began targeting social media more aggressively. He adopted the moniker, “Chef Buds,” started to take advantage of the fresh produce of California and, for the past four years, has amassed a sizeable social media following. Cannabis oil companies, like Pot d’Huile and LEVO, have also taken notice and frequently sponsor his creations, like organic scallion pizzas with homemade dough, sweet basil pizza sauce, Colby Jack cheese and infused olive oil drizzled on top. “I grew up in Brooklyn, and I had the pleasure of being around Di Fara Pizza, the pleasure of being around L&B Spumoni’s, Grimaldi’s, there’s a ton of bomb pizza all over Brooklyn,” Wais said. “When I moved to California I found it so hard to find a good pizza spot so I thought, ‘why not perfect, as best as I can, my pizza?’ And it’s so easy to grab some [cannabis-infused] olive oils and infusions and enjoy it that way.” Wais says he loves the simplicity of cannabis concentrates and appreciates the lack of smell and
“When I moved to California I found it so hard to find a good pizza s p o t s o I t h o u g h t, ‘ w h y n o t p e r f e c t, a s b e s t a s I can, my pi zza?’ And i t’s so easy to grab some [cannabis-infused] olive oils and infusions and e n j o y i t t h at w ay. ” ease of proper dosing. Although he began consuming cannabis recreationally, since learning about concentrates he’s come to appreciate the extensive medicinal benefits of the plant. “Cannabis is much better than alcohol and harder substance abuse,” Wais said. “A lot of my friends have passed away from pills. I worked seven years in the pharmaceutical industry, and I see how cannabis is helping people with the pain they got from pharmaceuticals. My family has a history of Crohn’s disease and other stomach issues, and I’ve been fortunate to introduce my mom and others to infused coconut oil capsules and Delta9 Extracts, which seem to help people with those illnesses.” Although Wais has an indisputable
passion for food, he’s always had a special love for the camera and was often the comedic star of his household. And it’s not hard to see why. He’s charming. And his New York accent and genial vibe are reminiscent of modern food icons Action Bronson and Matty Matheson. An inspection of his Instagram accounts, @Chefbuds and @Chefdwais, reveals his easygoing persona resembles a fusion of the two personalities and looks equally at home in the kitchen. But if Chef Wais is anything, he is a hard worker. And every day he’s busy posting new content, precisely at 8 a.m., because content creation demands routine. But he credits his passion for his rising success and often turns to his mantra, “Do what you love, and show people that you’re having a great time.” The rest just seems to fall into place. Chef Wais is currently working on a vlog that he plans to launch on YouTube by the end of the summer. He’s also in the editing stage of a cannabis lifestyle show he hopes to pitch called, “Badooz with Buds,” a nod to his years dodging Brooklyn police with his friends over cannabis. In addition to his educational and entertainment projects, Wais will be releasing his own spice rubs and infusions and looks forward to future collaborations with fellow cannabis chefs and content creators. c
chefbudsofficial.com
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GROWING CULTURE
TIP OF THE MONTH
Experimental Conclusion By Ed Rosenthal
W
hen we left our experiment in the June issue, we were waiting for seedlings to flower. In that experiment, I was trying to replicate the same process performed by Sister Marie Etienne Tibeau in 1936 when she tested hemp plant seedlings growing in a non-nutritive medium with different fertilizer formulas minus one essential element. Tibeau also
The tray of seedlings, which have been given tap water that contains no nitrogen.
had a control group that she didn’t give fertilizers to. The plants were then forced to flower by changing the light cycle to 1212, light on, light off. She reported that the plants in the control group, and the ones receiving no nitrogen produced only males. In my own experiment, I set seedlings in a tray with previously unused rockwool cubes and gave them 70 parts per million (ppm) tap water that contained no nitrogen. In last month’s issue of CULTURE, the plants were just beginning to show flower growth, but the sex was undeterminable, for most, even under a 6x photographer’s loupe. Now, one month later, the sex of the plants can now be determined. About eight of the plants had died from failure to thrive because of the nutrient environment. There were nine males and 11 females left. Obviously, my results differed from Sister Tibeau’s. Next, I will try overdosing seedlings with nitrogen to see if I get the same results that she did, the results of which were to receive only female plants. However, her experiment was only partially successful. The rate of nitrogen was so high that the plants first indicated with limpness and extremely dark green leaves, and then died. c
The author inspecting the seedlings with a 6x photographer’s loupe.
Male flowers on a seedling.
It’s not too late to set plants outside to enjoy the sun. If your plants are clones or just small in size, you may want them to grow a bit before flowering. Do this by breaking up the dark period at least once a night for a few hours by exposing the entire plant to light. (You can use a flashlight with a broad beam.) The light only has to touch the plant for a moment. Once you cease to expose the plant to a moment of light repetitiously, the plant will start to flower. It will take about two months for the flowers to grow and ripen.
Female seedling.
Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.
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COLORADO NOW! event listings
Ganja Yoga Retreat 2018, July 6-8 Experience the peacefulness and bliss of The Rocky Mountains by clearing your mind with the aid of cannabis. Participate in meditation workshops and yoga exercises while exploring the local area on this spiritually-nourishing, two-day outing that’s bound to rejuvenate your body and soul. Aspen Canyon Ranch, Parshall twistedsister.yoga
Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival, July 7 Celebrate the heat of summer with friends and family at the return of this annual beer festival. Enjoy local bands such as Two Faces West and Frisco Funk Collective, plus seemingly countless selections of beer from a variety of breweries, all while enjoying the beautiful views of the local mountains. Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge summer. breckenridgebeerfestival. com Winter Park Tequila & Tacos Fiesta, July 7 It’s time to honor one of the greatest edible combinations in the world— tequila and tacos! Winter Park will host this slightly drunken summer festival with plenty of tequila tasting vendors, a chili 74
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cook-off and of course, more tacos than you could ever imagine. Rendezvous Event Center, Winter Park winterparkhotel.com/july7-3rd-annual-tequila-tacofiesta
7th Annual RIDE Festival, July 14-15 Get away from life’s monotony for a weekend and head out to The RIDE Festival. Featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, live music from major artists such as Sheryl Crow and The String Cheese Incident, there is no better place to escape and have a little fun. Telluride Town Park, Fred Shellman Memorial Stage, Telluride ridefestival.com The Green Industry Affair, July 24 The first-ever Green Industry Affair will unite green communities through cannabis advocacy, outdoor conservation and policy development to increase the awareness of the carbon footprint we leave upon the Earth. The event will also feature music from BoomBox, a duo of electronic vintage rock and blues DJs, whose shows are unique to the venue and audience they perform for. Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver cervantesmasterpiece.com
featured event
Denver County Fair!, July 13-15 Denver has grown to become a place of creativity and individualism, which has inspired the Denver County Fair! A handful of intricate games, shows and live entertainment will keep you busy, plus the event will feature other activities like carnival rides, “freak” exhibits, cooking demonstrations and magic shows. National Western Complex, Denver denvercountyfair.org Summer Brew Fest, July 27-28 Denver’s Summer Brew Fest offers the opportunity to try more than 100 craft beers from local breweries and worldwide favorites. Along with its counterpart, the Winter Brew Fest, which occurs every January, it’s clear that Denver is known for its wide variety of locally crafted beer (and hearty, gastropub-style food, too!) Mile High Station, Denver denverbrewfest.com The Underground Music Showcase, July 27-29
Showcasing local talent, this independent music festival throws together a bundle of different musical acts, including bands like Digable Planets, Deerhunter and Classixx. From 6th Ave. to Alameda Ave., South Broadway will be bursting with people coming to and from four separate music stages while checking out over 20 food and beverage vendors lining the streets in between each stage. South Broadway, Denver www.undergroundmusic showcase.com
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News of the
Weird
By the Editors at Andrews McMeel
LEAD STORY—IT’S A DEAD LANGUAGE In Charleston, South Carolina, Cara Koscinski and her whole family were looking forward to her son Jacob’s May 19 graduation party. The Post and Courier reported he had excelled in his Christian-based homeschool program, earning a 4.79 GPA and the summa cum laude distinction, an honor Koscinski included in the wording on the cake she ordered online from her local Publix store. When the software informed her “profane/special characters (are) not allowed,” Koscinski made clear that phrase was Latin, meaning “with the highest distinction,” and even included a link to a website explaining it. Still, when the cake arrived, it read: “Congratulations Jacob! Summa --- laude Class of 2018.” Jacob was embarrassed, and Koscinski had to tell her 70-year-old mother why the store had censored the word. Publix offered to remake the cake, but as Koscinski noted, “You only graduate once.” IRONIES Police officers in North Ridgeville, Ohio, were sure the man who called them at 5:26 a.m. on May 19 to report being followed by a pig was impaired and hallucinating. But sure enough, the Associated Press reported, officers on the scene found a completely sober 76
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man, walking home from the Elyria Amtrak station with a pig trailing behind him. The department’s Facebook page reported that Patrolman Kuduzovic wrangled the oinker into the back seat of his cruiser and later secured it in the station’s dog kennels, where the owner later retrieved it. “Also,” the post noted, “we will mention the irony of the pig in a police car now so that anyone that thinks they’re funny is actually unoriginal and trying too hard.” Touche. OOPS! Lyons, New York, resident Jesse Graham, 53, must have been surprised when deputies of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department appeared at his door on May 11. WHEC TV reported that Graham, a fugitive wanted by the Mooresville (North Carolina) Police Department, had apparently accidentally dialed 911, summoning the deputies himself. Graham was charged with being a fugitive from justice and possession of cannabis, and he awaits extradition to North Carolina. In Lawrence, Kansas, architecture students designed a new bike rack for the Prairie Acre Ribbon Classroom, the first outdoor classroom at the University of Kansas. The metal rack features the letters P-A-R-C, but viewed from another vantage point, they spell C-R-A-P. Social media lit up after a photo was posted May 13, including, “It’ll make a fine bike rack. Crap a diem!” Project PARC KU responded: “The photograph shown is not the intended vantage point, nor is it the message of our project,” but at press time, the university
had not announced any action, according to the Wichita Eagle-Beacon. ANGER MANAGEMENT Frustration with the cable company boiled over in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on May 7, when a dispute between an Optimum employee and a woman left the cable worker stranded on high. While the employee was in an elevated bucket working on lines, northjersey.com reported, a 59-year-old woman turned off the truck and “took utility property” before walking away, making it impossible for the worker to lower the bucket. Ridgeview police charged the woman with harassment, false imprisonment, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing. Dymund Ellis, 19, was charged with stabbing and killing her roommate, Jace Trevon Ernst, 25, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, after a May 4 argument. According to North Las Vegas Police, Ellis became upset after Ernst repeatedly talked while she tried to watch a TV show, telling him to “shut up.” When he responded with an expletive, she went to the kitchen for a knife, reported Fox News. Police said Ellis had threatened Ernst with a knife about 10 times in the last couple of months, but he had been able to get the knife away from her. Ellis told an officer that “she has anger problems and she just got extremely upset tonight.” LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS Comrades in arms Mike Mulligan, Michael Martin and Emma St. Claire made the mistake of leaving their burglary booty visible in their car in Nevada City,
California. So on May 16, when they were stopped by a Grass Valley Police officer, the prosthetic arm officers spotted pointed the finger at them as the perpetrators of a Nevada County home burglary the previous week. On its Facebook page, the Nevada County Sheriff’s office described the limb as “the exact arm that was stolen in the burglary.” All three were booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada City, Fox News reported, and the arm has been returned to a “very appreciative owner.” Deputy Henry Guzman with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida made his first mistake when he shoplifted—three days in a row—from a Lauderdale Lakes Walmart. His second, and perhaps more devastating, mistake was wearing his uniform while doing so. Guzman, a 13-year veteran of the department, stole DVDs and “Star Wars” action figures valued at about $200, WSVN reported. He was arrested on May 21 and charged with three misdemeanor counts of petty theft. WHAT A CROCK! As it negotiated a roundabout in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, a dump truck filled with manure lost its balance on May 21 and tipped over, spilling its load onto a Peugot 208 with the driver inside. A witness said he “couldn’t believe anyone got out alive,” but the male driver was able to crawl through the pile of excrement and was unhurt, if stinky, Metro News reported. The car, however, “was crushed,” according to a Police Scotland spokesman.
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